Located by the sea, Maiko Park (Tarumi-ku, Kobe City) is a great spot for getting up-close and personal with the gigantic “Akashi Kaikyō Bridge”*.

Viewable from both the east and west side, the bridge is also known for being a lovely sunset spot.

* Linking Honshu with Awaji Island over the Akashi strait at a length of 3,911 meters, Akashi Kaikyō Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world.

First, the view of the bridge from the west:

Leaping straight into your line of vision upon leaving JR “Maiko station” or Sanyo Electric Railway’s “Maiko Park station” is the magnificent west-side view.

The locals’ “secret” spot!

About 50m from the far west side of the park, there is a slope that goes down to the water. From there, right in front of you is a tremendous view!

Strategically positioned to dissipate waves, the water’s edge is strewn with concrete tetrapod blocks. You just want to sit there forever soaking up the scene.

The east side view:

A popular spot for anglers to drop their lines into the sea, the park’s concrete seawall stretches from east to west.

Going east, there is a manmade beach (Azur Maiko). This is also a great viewing point!

A popular summer swimming spot, you can enjoy taking a stroll here anytime while listening to the sound of lapping waves.

Another charming point of Maiko Park is its sunsets!

Particularly spectacular from autumn through winter, on cloudless days you can watch the sun drop slowly beneath the horizon. As the Seto Inland Sea is surrounded by land and contains a myriad of islands, there aren’t so many places to see such a sight.

As the sun goes down under the bridge’s iron girders, the Ieshima Islands appear small on the horizon.

Close to the station as well as a major national highway, access to Maiko Park couldn’t be easier.

Along with the unique scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, enjoy the awe-inspiring charm of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge!

Hyogo park and garden association Administrative office of Maiko Park

2051 Higashi Maiko chō, Tarumi-ku, Kobe, 655-0047

TEL: 078-785-5090

Website (Japanese): http://www.hyogo-park.or.jp/maiko/

Azur Maiko Office (On the beach)

Website (Japanese): http://www.kobe-park.or.jp/azur/index.html

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Hironobu Matsuoka